The WNBA is facing yet more controversy after deleting a video of Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers betting on the Atlanta Dream-Dallas Wings matchup during the 2026 All-Star Game.
The league posted the video on social media before swiftly deleting it, prompting backlash from former NFL player Geoff Schwartz.
WNBA Faces Backlash Over Video of Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers Betting on Dream-Wings Game
The WNBA shared a video of a reporter asking Bueckers about the $400 wager she made with Reese ahead of Wednesday’s game between the Dream and the Wings during the 2026 All-Star Weekend. The video was swiftly deleted, but not before fans screen-recorded it.
As the video went viral, the WNBA faced intense criticism from fans for promoting a video that violates league rules. Players are strictly prohibited from betting on their own games or any other league competition, and could be fined, suspended, or even disqualified for breaking this rule.
The video also prompted backlash from Schwartz, who hit out at the way the WNBA is currently run.
“Unserious league to post this. It’s just so poorly run,” he wrote on X.
Unserious league to post this. It’s just so poorly run. https://t.co/UQuoWJcstQ
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) July 30, 2026
The former Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants offensive guard explained how it was a bad look for the WNBA to promote an activity that is not allowed.
“Like does it really matter they had a friendly $500 wager on the game. No. But it’s a bad look for the league to be promoting this when it’s illegal in the CBA,” he added.
While there is nothing to suggest that it was anything more than a light-hearted wager made in jest between two friends, posting such a video on the WNBA’s official platforms certainly brings more unwanted attention to a league that is facing a lot of drama this season.
U.S. lawmakers recently sent WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert a letter demanding accountability and action amid a series of highly publicized controversies. They called on the league to provide more protection for Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark, who has faced overly aggressive defense from opponents.
They also called for the WNBA to take action and protect players from online abuse that they have faced in recent months.
Amid these incidents, there has been speculation that Engelbert could be in danger of losing her job as WNBA commissioner. The latest incident involving Bueckers and Reese will put more unwanted pressure on her at a time when she is facing significant pressure.
